SM Sells Convicted Gang Rapist Taeil's Clothing at NCT Flea Market

SM Entertainment is facing backlash after clothing worn by former NCT member Taeil, who was convicted of sexual assault, was sold at a flea market celebrating the 10th anniversary of the NCT brand. The incident has raised questions about how thoroughly the agency reviewed the items before the event.

SM Entertainment held the "NCT Flea Market" on Sept. 6, offering stage outfits and personal belongings from the members. The controversy began that day when a fan revealed on social media that she had purchased an item previously worn by Taeil.

In a post titled "Speaking Out About the NCT Flea Market," the fan wrote, "How could they sell clothing worn by a member who left the group over a sexual assault case? What fan would want to buy a criminal's clothes? I'm going to file a formal complaint with SM. Even at a flea market, you can't sell a criminal's clothing."

She shared photos of the item, which she said cost 150,000 won, alongside past photos of Taeil wearing the same piece. According to the fan, she was not informed before the purchase that the clothing had been worn by Taeil.

"I had to push hard just to get an apology and a refund," she wrote. "I bought this one item, but during my time slot I ended up with just a pair of 10,000-won glasses, and I couldn't even get compensation."

Taeil had his three-year, six-month prison sentence finalized last December for sexually assaulting an intoxicated female foreign tourist along with two other men.

SM Entertainment, Taeil's former agency, addressed the matter shortly after his criminal case came to light. "We recently confirmed that Taeil was accused in a criminal case involving a sex crime," the company said at the time. "While reviewing the facts, we recognized the seriousness of the matter and concluded that he could no longer continue with the group. After discussing the situation with Taeil, we decided that he would leave the team."

The incident has prompted questions over whether SM Entertainment properly verified who had worn each item before putting it up for sale.